Rajeev Kathpalia is a leading figure in Indian architecture and urban design, currently serving as the Designated Partner at Vastu Shilpa Sangath LLP (formerly Vastu Shilpa Consultants), the multidisciplinary practice founded in 1955 by the legendary Pritzker laureate Balkrishna Doshi.

Design Philosophy & Expertise

Rajeev’s work is grounded in the integration of frugal, environmentally responsible strategies to create inclusive and equitable habitats. He is a pioneer of the “Net Zero” approach to campus design, seamlessly blending architecture, landscape, ecology, and energy management. His expertise spans a vast range of scales:

• Institutional Master Planning: Renowned for creating campuses that foster social interaction and ecological balance. Notably, four of his institutional designs are cited as exemplars in India’s National Education Policy.
• Regional & Urban Planning: Expertise in large-scale city plans and heritage-sensitive urban design.
• Low-Cost Housing: Dedicated to habitat designs for the poor and the improvement of informal settlements.

Key Achievements & Recognition

• Prime Minister’s Award (2003): Recognized for innovative Urban Design for his pioneering advocacy and design work on the inner city of Hyderabad within the Charminar precinct.
• International Distinction: Awarded the 2019 Award for Distinction in Architecture by Washington University, USA.
• Competition Success: Winner of several high-profile national and international competitions for institutional and public projects.
• Academic Leadership: Served as the Director of the Vastu Shilpa Foundation and currently leads its International Habitat Studio Program, bridging the gap between global students and local challenges.

Professional & Academic Background

With over 30 years of experience, Rajeev has balanced a prolific practice with a commitment to education. He has served as a University Professor at CEPT University (Ahmedabad) and SPA (New Delhi). He holds prestigious honorary positions, including Honorary Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (China) and Chair Professor at Anant National University.

Education & Credentials

• M. Arch & Urban Design: Washington University in St. Louis, USA.
• B. Arch: Chandigarh College of Architecture, India.
• Current Roles: Advisory Board Member at Nirma University; Trustee, Vastu Shilpa Foundation.
• Global Speaker: A frequent lecturer at international forums, sharing insights on sustainable urbanism and the evolution of Indian architecture.